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Meatball Soup

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Meatball soup is a cozy and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and optional pasta. It’s perfect for chilly days and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

  • For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • For the soup:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni – optional)
  • 1–2 cups fresh spinach or chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Gently add the meatballs to the soup. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked.
  6. If using pasta, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in spinach or parsley just before serving.
  8. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

Notes

To prevent meatballs from falling apart, avoid overmixing and ensure the mixture includes egg and breadcrumbs.Bake meatballs beforehand for a firmer texture if preferred.Store leftovers without pasta if freezing, as pasta can become mushy.Use rice instead of pasta for a gluten-free alternative.Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/meatball-soup/